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Lack of funds hinder fencing growth

The association would be hosting an awards ceremony on December 2, which was last held 15 years ago. The association will also host the national championships on the same day.

The national championships are expected to bring the house down with athletes vying for positions in the national teams.

The most interesting is the juniors category where a team that will represent Botswana at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games would be identified.

BOKA president, Sensei Tshepho Bathai said yesterday that they expect a huge turnout, more so it is the last championship before the national squad selections scheduled to start in February 2018.

“We are also expecting a high level of technique. The Youth Olympics team’s interest would also bring the whole excitement. We now have accredited coaches and we expect them to be professional in their conduct too,” he said.

Regarding the BOKA awards, which would be held at Cresta Lodge in Gaborone, Bathai said in the past they always held awards, but that it is unfortunate that the last edition was held 15 years ago. He said the awards are meant to appreciate and award excellence for the current year.

is also done with hopes to encourage high performance for those who did not do well. The end result is a highly competitive karate, which means good things for the country,” he said. The awards categories will include the junior male karateka of the year, junior female karateka of the year, senior male karateka of the year and senior female karateka of the year. Others include cadet male karateka of the year and cadet female karateka of the year, referee of the year, karate administrator of the year, coach of the year, cadet male team of the year, junior female team of the year, senior male team of the year and affiliate of the year.

Platinum award: 60 years in karate, 50 years of administration and 7th Dan.

Gold award: 50 years in karate, 40 years of administration and 6th Dan.

Bronze Award: 30 years in karate, 20 years of administration and 4th Dan.

Print journalist of the year, media house of the year, photographer of the year and the President’s Award.